Dr. Ramesh Kolluru
Dr. Ramesh Kolluru serves as the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette). He is a nationally recognized leader in the areas of science and technology, public-impact research, economic and workforce development, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship.
In his role as Vice President, since 2013, he has established the overarching vision, provided tactical direction, and developed strategic priorities and partnerships working with the senior administration of UL Lafayette. His leadership efforts have galvanized the transition of the University into the prestigious Carnegie R1 Top-Tier University in 2021, for the first time in its 125-year history – a designation held only by the top 3% of US universities. In addition, NSF ranks the University in the Top 6 for fastest growing research universities in the nation and in the Top 7 best universities for working with industry partners.
UL Lafayette has significantly expanded its regional, national, and global impact through research, innovation, and economic development. Under his leadership, UL has increased its annual R&D expenditures from $62M in 2013 to $205M in 2022, a growth of 193%, while increasing its intellectual human capital (post-doctoral & research scholars) by 2645% and innovation outcomes (patents issued) by 1200%. He has served as UL’s point-person in helping recruit IT and biotech companies, helping create more than 2000 knowledge-economy jobs in the region. Under his leadership, UL is focused on discovery and dissemination, embodied in its motto of being commitment to “Research for a Reason.”
He is a tenured Professor in the School of Computing and Informatics, with expertise in computing, health innovation, homeland security and emergency management, public-private partnerships, and data science. As a researcher, he helped establish major R&D centers in health innovation and disaster management in addition to a data science center funded by the National Science Foundation. He has generated more than $110M in funds from various federal and state agencies as well as industry.
Given his national recognition as a leader in health innovation, he was appointed into the role of Chief Innovation Officer for the US Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C, during 2019 and 2020. During his IPA assignment, he worked on expanding the role of data science, AI, and innovation in the delivery of health and human services to all Americans by HHS. He was instrumental in the development of a strategic roadmap for HHS to enhance open data and open innovation initiatives, in addition to expanding opportunities for upskilling data science know-how of federal government workers. More recently, he has led the Governor’s efforts to combat COVID-19 by vaccinating students and at-risk populations. He is leading legislative efforts in Louisiana to develop biomedical R&D and innovation corridor anchored in New Iberia.
Additionally, he has been reappointed by FEMA Administrator to the National Advisory Council to serve a 2nd consecutive term. He has chaired the FEMA Vision 2045 Committee and now chairs the FEMA Climate Adaptation Committee. He has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the APLU Council for Research, where he has been involved in advancing public impact of research, and safe and inclusive research environments. Governor Edwards appointed him as a Commissioner of the Louisiana Cybersecurity Commission, wherein he led the development of Louisiana’s Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Plan.
He serves as Chairman of Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Trustee of the Lafayette Public Innovation Alliance, Executive committee member of OneAcadiana to advance local and regional economic development and serves on the Board of Directors for Ochsner Lafayette General. He represents the University as counselor of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities, trustee of the Southern Universities Research Alliance, and member of the Louisiana RESTORE Act Center of Excellence.
Born and raised in India, Dr. Kolluru has lived in Lafayette for over 25 years. Recipient of the Governor’s Technology Leader of the Year award in 2008, he is prouder of the title “Honorary Cajun” bestowed on him by Parish-President Mayor Joey Durel. His proudest titles, however, are husband, dad, friend, and dishwasher!